The travel basketball season officially concluded with the Final Run at Suwanee Sports Academy more than a week ago. On the Radar Hoops crowned the Circuit champions in each one of its age divisions. We have had some time now to let the excitement sink in. Now it is time to look back at our champions and reflect on their runs. We will detail what made it special and what should be remembered. We start with the 15U division champions, the Georgia Stunners coached by Anton Jackson.

The Stunners emerged from the spring as one of the favorites heading into the final weekend of the circuit. Their route in July was not an easy one. There were some roster changes. The Stunners had to combine their 16U and 15U rosters to compete during the live period events in July. However, they would receive an unexpected gift heading into the final weekend in the form of 6-foot-8 wing Joseph Tala who would provide the edge necessary to claim the trophy at the end.

Tala, a native of Finland, came by way of Drive Academy to suit up with the Stunners. And he fit in with this group. He has the full package as a prospect. He can score above the rim, off the dribble, or with the jumper. Of all the prospects at the Final Run, he has the most upside by many accounts. Coach Jackson stated after the weekend, “Tala set the tone on both ends.”

It was not a one-man show, however. To win championships at all competitive levels, it requires teamwork and a focus of spirit. Jackson said as much when he told OTR that, “The key was staying connected and composed. Championship games are won through the details: defending, rebounding, communicating and making the next play.”

He also was sure to point out everyone on the roster contributed in key ways. “TJ Pigott hit a huge go-ahead three, KJ Reed and Derek Williams provided the length, toughness and versatility we needed. Everyone contributed, and we never lost our composure when the game tightened.”

They took on a Sunshine Elite team that battled until the very end. The group from Florida featured talented players in the backcourt and along the frontline. If not for the timely playmaking from Stunner players, Sunshine Elite could have very easily been the 15U champions.

One of those players who came up with the winning plays was class of 2029 wing Ethan Moore. He is a prospect who has been profiled as a terrific athlete and noted for his exploits on the gridiron. However, at the Final Run it was his skill that made the difference.

Coach Jackson sang Moore’s praises afterwards saying, “Ethan Moore was our unsung hero. His mid-range game has become automatic, and he consistently gave us a dependable scoring option. In the closing moments of the championship, he recorded back-to-back steals and finished both with dunks to seal the victory. That sequence represented everything he gave us throughout the Final Run: poise, defensive intensity and the ability to make winning plays when they mattered most.”

In the end, the Stunners cut down the nets and were rewarded for their hard work and dedication throughout this entire year. Coach Jackson framed the win appropriately after the fact by reminding us of what is most important beyond the winning.

“What I’ll remember most is watching this group grow into a true team. Throughout the season, they learned to trust one another, embrace their roles and compete for the name on the front of the jersey. The championship will always be special, but the development and brotherhood behind it are what I’ll remember most.”

The Georgia Stunners are the 2026 15U OTR Circuit Champions.

Championship Game MVP: Joseph Tala

Coach of the Year: Anton Jackson

Roster:

Joseph Tala, Ethan Moore, Derek Williams, TJ Pigott, KJ Reed, Sevon Jackson, Kolbe Williams, Noah Phenizee

Written, edited, and formatted for web by the author.

Jonathan Hemingway is a senior writer for On the Radar Hoops. He has covered basketball for the site since 2013 and has been involved in the game since 1995 as a coach, camp director, and evaluator. Reach him at CoachHemi@gmail.com or follow @CoachHemi on X and @Coach_Hemi on Instagram.